Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1951
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Berkeland Obituary
Salem - Thomas Arnold Berkeland, age 68, of Salem, Oregon, passed away, April 1, 2020 from complications with cancer.
Tom was born in Salem, Oregon to Arnold and Irene Berkeland. He graduated from North Salem High School in 1969 and played drums in a garage band called "Butterfly at Night" with several friends.
Tom loved to work, especially in the grocery and distributing industry. From a young age, he started out sweeping the parking lot at the local Safeway. Throughout his years he worked at Central Market, Coca Cola, Morgan Distributing, and retired from Columbia Distributing in 2017. He loved the people he worked with and the contacts he made in sales. Tom was a volunteer for 16 years with the Keizer Fire Department. He would help install Christmas lights on River road, deliver Christmas food boxes to the needy, and was a member of the Keizer Elks Lodge. Tom spent his free time restoring and exchanging classic cars, going to the State Fair, attending music concerts, and being around his friends. Tom will be missed.
Tom is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda and their two children; Blake Berkeland and Brianna Berry (Chase), along with two children; Kara Youngblutt (Joe) and Angela Padian (Chris) from his first marriage, and eight grandchildren. Tom is additionally survived by his three siblings; Sharon Brown (Bruce), Jerry Wentzel (Susan), and Sandy Wentzel. Tom is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Irene Berkeland.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the Keizer Fire District.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Berkeland
Sponsored by Keizer Funeral Chapel.
1 Entry
Staff of Keizer Funeral Chapel
April 6, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Berkeland's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Berkeland
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Berkeland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
